£49.98
In stock
Shop Stock: 6 available.
*Standard UK delivery 2-3 working days
Warehouse Stock: Out of stock.
*Extended UK delivery 3-5 working days
South African Chenin Blanc can be expressed in so many ways, that, in some senses, a blend is the only way to touch on them all. The Damascene Stellenbosch Old Vine Chenin Blanc is a blend of fruit from three sites in the Bottelary ward: Sonop, Houmoed, and Mooiplaas. All three sites are situated on hilltops. The Sonop block was planted in 1982, on a slope of shale situated at the north-eastern extreme of the mountain range. It contributes to the minerality, elegance and acidic grip in the final wine. Houmoed’s extremely steep north-facing slope features old bush vines planted into Greywacke soils. These old vines (planted in 1972) add to the intense concentration of the component. Lastly, we farm a block at the very top of Mooiplaas, overlooking False Bay and Table Bay. This vineyard was planted in 1980 on a granitic outcrop with boulders dramatically strewn throughout the block. The cool west-facing slope delivers vibrance and freshness to the final wine.
From three sites, the earliest planted in 1972. Whole-cluster-pressed and aged in oval Austrian foudres (1,000 litres) for 11 months. A subdued nose, but hints of what is to come in ripe and rich apricots and apples. Similar on the palate in its quietness of flavour. Still, generously textured and with tremendous freshness, and some salinity on the finish.
| Wine Type | White |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Subregion | Coastal Region |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Brand | Damascene |
| Cultivar | Chenin Blanc |
| Appellation | Bottelary |
| Bottle Size | 75cl |
| Pack Size | 1x75cl |
| Alcohol Percentage | 13.00 |
| Duty Status | Duty Paid |
| Availability | Immediate |
| Rating Agencies | Vinous |
Damascene is a seriously exciting new find in South Africa. Their maiden vintage was 2018 and we were blown away by the results. 2019, their second vintage was sold out on release.
The highly acclaimed Jean Smit, previously winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof, has teamed up with David Curl, former owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Gaby.
Their goal is to explore all across the South African winelands in search of exceptional sites. Sites that deliver an important moment of insight, and hence the name of the project. A Damascene moment of clarity, where we can all understand the greatness of these small, prized plots.
The vineyards are old and well established but small, so each of these brilliant wines is only released in very small quantities. We urge you to catch them while you can.
South African Chenin Blanc can be expressed in so many ways, that, in some senses, a blend is the only way to touch on them all. The Damascene Stellenbosch Old Vine Chenin Blanc is a blend of fruit from three sites in the Bottelary ward: Sonop, Houmoed, and Mooiplaas. All three sites are situated on hilltops. The Sonop block was planted in 1982, on a slope of shale situated at the north-eastern extreme of the mountain range. It contributes to the minerality, elegance and acidic grip in the final wine. Houmoed s extremely steep north-facing slope features old bush vines planted into Greywacke soils. These old vines (planted in 1972) add to the intense concentration of the component. Lastly, we farm a block at the very top of Mooiplaas, overlooking False Bay and Table Bay. This vineyard was planted in 1980 on a granitic outcrop with boulders dramatically strewn throughout the block. The cool west-facing slope delivers vibrance and freshness to the final wine.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040
